Kausani – The Offbeat Uttarakhand

The scenic hill resort of Kausani in Uttarakhand, nestled in the snow-capped Himalayas, has a natural splendour that will take your breath away. Kausani is the epitome of a hilly paradise, tucked among rich green forests, crystal blue skies, and many small lakes buried like diamonds in the bush. For clear views of key peaks such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli, visitors can travel to Kausani. In fact, snow-capped mountain ranges reach for roughly 350 kilometres around the town.

At 1,890 metres above sea level, Kausani is a paradise for trekkers, who are greeted by clear and mesmerising views of meadows, waterfalls, and the numerous pine woods that make up the region’s profile. After the monsoons, the finest period for adventure sports. Kausani’s climate is chilly to cold, and the ideal time to visit if you want to avoid the cold is between April and June, and then between September and November. Kausani, on the other hand, is a delight at any time of year for people who enjoy misty winters and snowfalls.

When Mahatma Gandhi visited the Anasakti Ashram in 1929 for 14 days and dubbed Kausani the “Switzerland of India,” it cemented its place in history as more than simply a typical hill station. When he came here, he was in the middle of writing his book Anasakti Yoga. This book is a Bhagwat Gita commentary. Sumitra Nandan Pant, a notable Hindi poet who was born in Kausani, is another famous figure related with the town. The natural beauty and brilliance of this stunning location inspired a number of great poems written by Pant.

Exquisite Attractions of Kausani

Aipan

Aipan is a traditional house decoration formed from a variety of materials such as flower petals, coloured rice, or flour. The most typical design, though, is one done with white rice paste on a crimson floor. The designs are frequently influenced by nature, yet they also contain many geometric components. It is mostly done by Kumaoni women in the state of Uttarakhand. The designs are thought to be so fortunate that they can bring good luck and ward off evil before it enters the home. Some people employ these traditional motifs to decorate their home temples because they are auspicious.

Anasakti Ashram

The ashram is a simple one-kilometer walk from the Kausani bus stop. Gandhiji spent many days here in 1929, and many people come here to follow in his footsteps. According to local folklore, Gandhiji was so taken with the natural beauty of the area that he exclaimed, “This is truly the Switzerland of India.” He is thought to have been working on his Anasakti Yoga doctrine, which promotes the idea of non-attachment to the material world.

The ashram has a little prayer room where prayers are held every morning and evening. Breathtaking views of the Himalayas are numerous and pervasive, as they are throughout the Kumaon region. Little else disturbs the tranquillity of the location, which is heightened by the nearby popular reading library. The ashram also has a tiny archive-style museum with images of Mahatma Gandhi’s stay here as well as other memorabilia related with him. The ashram also houses a study and research centre dedicated to furthering Gandhiji’s views. There are a limited number of rooms available for rent for individuals seeking an immersive experience.

Baijnath

Bajinath is located at an elevation of 1,130 metres on the banks of the pristine Gomti river. The city is most renowned for its magnificent 13th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known as Vaidyanath or the Lord of Physicians. Since its establishment in 1204 AD, the Baijnath temple has been a prominent spiritual centre. It is a stunning example of Nagara temple building from the early mediaeval north Indian period. The two large inscriptions in the temple’s portico show that a temple to Lord Shiva existed on the site before the current one was built.

Baijnath is located in the Himalayas’ high Dhauladhar range and is a popular destination for paragliding enthusiasts seeking an adrenaline rush. The entire area is littered with temples dedicated to numerous deities who are extremely spiritually important to the locals. Tashi Jong Monastery, about 3 kilometres from Baijnath, is famous for its ornamental terraces and exquisite artistic banners.

Joshimath

Joshimath, a religious town, attracts a huge number of Hindu pilgrims each year. The Jyotirmath or Shankaracharya Monastery is the town’s centre and sanctum. Joshimath is one of the four maths developed by Adi Guru Shankaracharya in the eighth century, according to Hindu legend. The primary attraction is Kalpavriksha, an approximately 1,200-year-old tree. There are several notable temples and religious structures in this area. A shrine dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is among them. Other prominent temples in Joshimath that draw a great number of devotees are the Hanuman Mandir, the Gaurishankar Temple, the Ganesh Temple, the Naudevi Temple, and the Surya Temple.

Joshimath also attracts a big number of trekkers because it serves as the camping base before ascending to higher mountains. The Valley of Flowers hike begins at Govind Ghat, which is about 26 kilometres from Joshimath. There are also a handful of camping areas with beautiful views. The powerful Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers converge at Vishnuprayag, which the town of Joshimath overlooks. The Himalayan hills that surround the town provide a stunning backdrop to the sublime peace that pervades the city. The view from Hathi Parvat Peak is particularly beautiful.

Planning for all these awesome places? But where to Stay?!

When seeking for a place to stay in Kausani, you can find a variety of campgrounds, resorts, and timber properties in the surrounding area to meet all of your needs for a relaxing vacation.

Conclusion

The enormous panoramic Himalayan range unfolding before your eyes from Kausani is a dreamlike experience in and of itself.

The months of April through June are ideal for visiting Kausani. During this period, you can visit the sites with your loved ones and have a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.